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The Most Impactful Hate

It’s fun now to listen to every Trump hater
Who tries to explain how a racist dictator
Was able to win with a new coalition
Of Blacks and Hispanics defying tradition
Plus middle and working class voters—all hating
The type of a nation the Left was creating.

.

.

Change Outside

Our concerns about others’ shortcomings,
If unchecked can become rather strange—
When the time we waste climbs to mind-numbing,
In doomed efforts to get folks to change.

.

.

Comparisons

He speaks of one son while
Omitting the other.
I had to ask why he
Talks not of the brother.

“He hasn’t developed,
There’s not much to say,
But if that should change,
I’ll send good news your way.”

I told him comparisons
Could bring regret.
The left out child senses it,
And won’t forget.

Plus we cannot know how
Things someday might be.
One other downgraded kid
Used to be me.

.

.

Russel Winick recently started writing poetry after ending a long legal career. He resides in Naperville, Illinois.

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12 Responses

  1. Warren Bonham

    Thanks for the very digestible nuggets of wisdom. As a parent, I was particularly drawn to Comparisons. This is a great reminder of the need to be constantly vigilant in monitoring how and what we communicate (especially when talking about our kids).

    Reply
    • Russel Winick

      Thanks Warren – I agree, and I like the word “digestible.” Your comments are appreciated.

      Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Collective wit and wisdom continue to be your strength and hallmark that fascinate me as you put so much into succinct verse.

    Reply
  5. Russel Winick

    Thank you Cynthia. But it might be easier for wisdom to leak out in a poem than in daily life!

    Reply
  6. Margaret Coats

    Russel, “The Most Impactful Hate” is a horrid title, but those six lines make up a clearly entertaining sentence that rings true. And you manage to pull off a clever turnaround with haters on either side feeling justified, while the reader is relieved at a scene that should be comic if it were playacting. Not so, but it is a just and amusing observation.

    Your message in “Comparisons” is tenderly apropos. Those who are left out sense it, and the memory is practically impossible to alter. Your final point, though, is perfectly compassionate, when you the poet take on the identity of that “one other downgraded kid [who] used to be me.” Great way to say, “We can overcome!”

    Reply
  7. Russel Winick

    Thank you Margaret, for all of your observations, especially the last one, which is spot on. And you are also right that the title of the first poem was not good. That title contrasts the Trump hate referred to early in the poem, with the hatred of many others regarding the type of nation the Dems and the Left were creating, referred to late in the poem, and intended to call the latter hate more impactful given the election results. But that meaning wasn’t clear enough, so I indeed should have changed that title.

    Reply
  8. Cheryl A Corey

    “Comparisons” is very relatable. My mother’s parents fawned over the daughter and granddaughter who lived out of state and visited once a year. They could do no wrong compared to our family, who lived just blocks away. And coming from a large family, I know what it’s like to endure not only comparisons, but neglect as well.

    Reply
  9. Russel Winick

    Thank you Cheryl. I’m sorry to hear this. I’ve sent this poem to many friends, and have been surprised to learn just how widespread this situation is. I’ve also heard stories about how some of the favored folks didn’t exactly seem to benefit from it. Thanks for commenting.

    Reply
  10. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Russel, you have offered up a wonderful array of sagacious observations that many will relate to. To my mind, “The Most Impactful Hate” is an apt title to describe the hate-fueled loathing of the most reviled president in my lifetime shifting to the abhorrence for the mess of the country in the hands of his accusers, many of whom now support him. The title becomes ever clearer the further one reads, and how true it is. It reminds me of a quote that goes something like this: The best form of revenge is mega (or should that be MAGA?) success. I’m hoping with all my heart this will be the case.

    “Comparisons” has touched me with its message. It’s great when you read a poem that makes you feel you’re not alone… and as for “Change Outside”, it’s a pity that for me it took so long to learn this lesson. If only this little gem of a poem was about when I needed it most. Thank you very much indeed!

    Reply
  11. Russel Winick

    Thank you, Poet Laureate, for one of the nicest comments I’ve ever received. Truly special, especially coming from you. Surreal!

    Reply

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